History of the International Federation of Municipal Sports and Tourism (IFMST)
In the contemporary world, with the rapid advancement of new technologies, changing lifestyles, evolving employment patterns, and the expansion of apartment living in urban areas, the level of physical activity among citizens has significantly declined. This shift has independently led to increased sedentary behavior, reduced engagement in sports, unhealthy dietary habits, and ultimately, a rise in obesity and overweight trends across urban societies. In such a context, municipalities—as key institutions in the fields of services, infrastructure, and social development—must adopt a comprehensive and scientific approach to improving public health, social vitality, and overall quality of urban life.
In this framework, the roles of sports, urban tourism, and environmental protection emerge as three fundamental pillars of sustainable urban development. Sports serve as an effective tool for enhancing morale, strengthening responsibility, and boosting civic participation; urban tourism contributes to economic dynamism, investment attraction, and cultural identity promotion; and the environment forms the foundation of public health and urban livability. These three areas must be synergistically prioritized by both local and international institutions.
In recent years, sports and sports venues have gone beyond their traditional roles to become tourist attractions in their own right. Competitions, festivals, and cultural-sporting events have transformed cities into hubs for travelers and investors alike. At the same time, the imperative to preserve the urban environment has become a central benchmark for evaluating sustainable and smart cities.
In light of these developments, the International Federation of Municipal Sports, Tourism and Environment (IFMST) was established in 2023 as an independent, international non-governmental organization with legal personality. Founded by a group of experts and activists in the fields of sports, tourism, and environmental protection from various countries, the Federation was formed under the guiding principles of amateur sports and sustainable development.
With a strategic focus on three core areas—urban sports, urban tourism, and urban environment—IFMST defines its mission across two primary levels: citizen engagement and municipal workforce participation. As the highest international authority specializing in these domains, the Federation operates through the participation of federations, municipalities, and organizations from around the globe.
Aiming to improve quality of life, promote public health, foster cultural exchange, create sustainable economic opportunities, raise environmental awareness, and support urban branding, IFMST has developed and launched 20 global strategic goals. These include international collaboration, standardization, investment facilitation, enhancement of sister city relationships, and the formation of a Global Network of Active Cities, enabling member cities and institutions to elevate their international standing along the path to sustainable development.
